Fundamental errors in Kane and Mertz's alleged debunking of greater male variability in mathematics performance

Abstract

Kane and Mertz’s 2012 AMS Notices article “Debunking Myths about Gender and Mathematics Performance” claims to have debunked the greater male variability hypothesis with respect to mathematics abilities. The logical and statistical arguments supporting their claim, however, which are being widely cited in the scientific literature, contain fundamental errors. The methodology is critically flawed, the main logical premise is false, and the article omits reference to numerous published scientific research articles that contradict its findings. Most critically, Kane and Mertz’s final conclusion that their data are inconsistent with the greater male variability hypothesis is wrong. The goal of the present note is to correct the scientific record with respect to those claims. Most importantly, by publicizing these errors, the Notices will reduce the chance of similar future errors being repeated.